In shadows deep, where silence reigns,
A solitary man walks the lanes,
No kin to call, no friend to claim,
An observer in life’s endless game.

A fiery train of cosmic might,
A Sagittarius' fearless flight,
Through galaxies and storms untamed,
A voyage bold, a path unnamed.

This part of this story begins in August of 2017 when the previous total eclipse occurred. My friend Bill was beginning his annual trek out of Florida to travel the country and see friends. More importantly, escape the sweltering heat and humidity that Florida brings that time of year.

Beneath its sheltering verdant canopy,
He made his humble resting place to be.
The generous branches nourished readily
With sunset-blushed fruits that fell freely.

By the flickering fire's glow, a man in contemplation sits alone,
Amidst the crackle and the warmth, a silent cabin his reflective zone.
Each log he places with care and thought, akin to nurturing love sought,
A parallel of flame to heart, where tending's art is subtly taught.

A couple of years ago I lost almost all my drive to do anything photography related. I was burning out on photography but not from the exercise of taking the photo. There’s a soul-crushing invisibility that engulfs creatives who no longer feel truly seen.

Ah sleep, it’s now.... Sunday afternoon? I guess I burnt the candle too much at both ends. I roll over and see I have a message on my phone, I replied back, been sleeping uninterrupted. When it comes to being social and phones, I always opt for being social. I always put my phone on silent and I never take it out unless it blows up due to work. So, when I got to the Mel the night before and I was done sending all my texts. I put my phone on vibrate, or in this evening silent by accident.

Saturday 9pm right on schedule. I jump out of the truck and begin to change. My shirt was wet from the rain and sandals were not suitable for a night at the Melody Inn. Lo and behold the motley crew pulls up just as I finish changing. It is Jake, Travis, and Katie. The quartet is back together for yet another night of music and fun.

Now it’s about 7pm on Saturday. Radar is lighting up and storms are heading this way. My buddy swings by and picks up the chicken, just in case you forgot about the tacos that have still yet to be made. I’m wiring up my DJI Osmo action camera to the mirror mount just in case there is something interesting to record while driving. Spoiler alert: nothing to be recorded